Computer Security Authentication Methods

Spyware, malware, computer bots are just a few of the threats that can be named; which prompt the use of a secure computer authentication system. Various methods are used in the authentication processes. The stress has however always been towards a software approach for solving the purpose of authentication.

These are computer security authentication methods:-

Passwords

Passwords are the easiest and most common authentication process that are used, not only on desktop computers but also at the network level. However certain rules should be followed when setting a password for your computer or network. Do not use easily predictable words for your passwords; they don't even require a hacker to access the system through your account. Use passwords that are unpredictable. Set long passwords and use numbers and special characters when setting your password. Remember your passwords; don't write it down anywhere. Hackers use various tools to know your passwords, but a long password with a number of special characters, indeed gives them a lot of trouble.

Digital Certificates

Using a certain algorithm, computer administrator combine your personal details with other user credentials to generate a public key. This public key or digital certificate is used for the authentication purpose in the network.

Smart Cards

Smart Cards are among the very few hardware authentication processes in which a simple card with an embedded circuitry is used for accessing the network. Each valid card for a particular network, when inserted into the circuitry it has been made for, gives an output which decides whether you will be allowed to enter into the network or not. The programming logic inserted into each card is different and it is one of the safest methods of authentication.

Fingerprint detection

Almost available in all laptops that are manufactured today; fingerprint detection is another safe method of computer security authentication. Everyone knows that even the iris pattern of two people may even match, but fingerprints can never match.

Face recognition systems

Face recognition system, may amuse you, but of late many people working in the field of security have questioned its user friendly nature and the security it can provide. A simple dimension calculation of the face is done by the computer and the logic used in doing so, has been often found to be prone to errors.

Biometrics

Biometrics is often considered as a far more secure way of authentication than passwords or digital certificates. It is even safer than smart cards, which may be misplaced. The physical and behavioral traits of a person are taken into consideration in this type of authentication.

Captcha Keys

This is the process of authentication that is used to verify whether a human or a computer bot has logged into the system. Captcha keys are randomly generated alphabets and numericals presented in such a form, that only a human can recognise.


Now, let's come down to the normal computer security authentical processes that we can do at the local level. Setting up a BIOS password for your computer may not be the ultimate security authentication. Removing the BIOS battery from the computer system for 30 seconds, deactivates this security feature. Setting up the administrator password is of utmost necessity. If the administrator password is not set, then any user can log into the computer irrespective of the fact whether he has an account in that computer or not.

The above listed methods are just a few of the widely used authentication methods. Infact, the measures that we take for safeguarding our computer or network are more important than the method itself. Many of us have a habit of naming our networks after the protagonist from our favourite movie. This should be avoided and networks should have sensible names that cannot be easily determined. If you are a network administrator in charge of a closed secure network, then it is always desirable to set your network visibility status to the invisible mode.

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The Best Practices for Computer Security

Computer security protects against unauthorized access, including hackers attempting to penetrate computer defenses via the Internet. New viruses and malware are created each day, but some basic security features keep machines safe from data theft.

Antivirus Software


Antivirus software protects against maliciously coded programs. Viruses are often packaged with some programs that look innocent, and run in the background of the computer. Antivirus software prevents the malicious code from loading on computers; clean machines that already have viruses; and run scans that quarantine infected files. This security measure protects users from data loss, and prevents password and identity theft.

Firewall Software

Firewalls differ from antivirus programs because they simply block incoming and outgoing communication with the Internet, protecting computers from spyware. Firewall applications are sometimes included in purchased antivirus programs or installed on routers purchased for home and office networks. Firewall software alerts the user that an application is attempting to access the Internet, which helps identify spyware applications. Spyware often uploads passwords and data to hackers who use the information to steal identities. Firewalls protect personal and company data.

Passwords

Passwords protect computer files.

With networks becoming commonplace for homes and offices, passwords are options on operating systems such as Windows, Linux and Unix. Users are urged to apply a strong password to log into the machine. The password prevents unauthorized access to hard drive files, either in person or via the local network or the Internet. Passwords should contain letters and numbers, and at least one special character for more security. Network administrators can create password rules so users are forced to enter strong passwords.


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How to Repair PC Security After a Virus Attack ?

A virus attack can be very devastating to your computer if it is not caught quickly. Computer Viruses change many different settings on your computer so that the virus can hide information and download some additional files to your system. Once the virus has been disabled and deleted, the settings need to be restored to their original configuration to get the computer running normally again. Repairing your PC’s security after a virus attack needs to be a top priority to prevent further virus attack and infection.

Follow the Instructions:


Step1: Open your antivirus software and update it by clicking on the "Update" button on the start page.


Step2. Disconnect your computer from the Internet once the update is completed. You don't want your computer to be infected with another virus through your modem while your security settings are still compromised.


Step3. Restart your computer and hold down F6 to activate Safe Mode. Scan the system again in Safe Mode. Restoring security settings will do no good if there is still a virus lurking on your system. Delete any hazardous files that are found.


Step4. Restart your computer normally and access your security settings through the Control Panel in the Start menu. Click on the Security Center and click on the Firewall to make sure it is enabled.


Step5. Reconnect your system to the Internet and update your Internet browser to make sure you have the most recent browser that has closed previous security breaches.

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The Top 10 Computer Protection Programs

Modern Internet users concerned about viruses, security and identity protection can invest in computer protection software. This list of top computer protection programs is based on recommendations from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and the Business Knowledge Source website. The software is presented in no particular order.

Symantec Norton Antivirus

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This software distinguishes and wipes out computer viruses and blocks worms. Norton offers both the downloadable version and package versions of their software.


McAfee VirusScan

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This software offers cutting-edge virus protection. Besides VirusScan, McAfee provides other protection software such as anti-spyware, personal firewalls, spam killer and privacy services. McAfee software comes in both downloadable and package forms.


AVG Anti-Viral

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This free anti-viral software provides computer security at no cost. AVG also offers increased protection, anti-spam, firewall and identity protection in their paid software package.



Panda Antivirus

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This software has a user-friendly interface with high-quality antivirus protection. Panda's Antivirus Pro provides a firewall and a safe search browser. Panda also offers downloadable free trial software.

Computer Associates Inoculate IT

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This software appeals to business because it uses identity verification to ensure proper access for computers and networks that have multiple users with different levels of security permission.



Kapersky Antivirus

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This software adds extra defense to traditional Internet security. It protects against, "viruses, spyware, spam, trojans, worms, [and] bots". The free 30-day trial has the same features as the paid software. Prices vary for different types of computers and levels of protection.



F-Secure Antivirus

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This software offers advanced protection against viruses, malware, spam and cyber-crime. F-Secure offers a free 30-day trial.



Shield Deluxe

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This software double-guarantees customer security. The software is easy to install and set up. Shield Deluxe offers free trial software.



Trend Micro PC-cillin

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Trend Micro provides "deep security" for home users, home offices, small- to medium-sized businesses and enterprises.


BitDefender

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This software program adapts to viruses as they are introduced to the internet. BitDefender has free tools and paid software packages.


Read more: http://www.ehow.com/list_7176423_top-10-computer-protection-programs.html#ixzz1Rb2lc6qt

Give the best antivirus protection for your PC

Since some days, I was quite annoyed because of the strange behavior of my system. My computer was taking much time in opening and saving files and applications were taking much longer in launching - hard disk was also inaccessible.

One of my friends suggested that you should install any best antivirus software and keep regularly updating the antivirus software for experiencing the more enhanced protection against the newly released dangerous threats. After reading and analyzing the reviews on the Internet and from several people, I arrived on a decision to install antivirus on my Windows XP based PC.

Features

Norton Antivirus can detect viruses, Trojans, and worms, adware, spyware, hack tools, remote access programs, etc. available in your system and can remove all of them. This software program supports many e-mail programs, like Microsoft Outlook Express version 4, 5, or 6, Microsoft Outlook 97/98/2000/XP, Netscape Messenger version 4, Netscape Mail version 6, Eudora Light version 3, Eudora Pro version 4, Eudora version 5, etc.

You can install Norton antivirus by following these easy steps:

STEP 1: Start your computer, and insert the installation CD of Norton antivirus 2004 into the CD-ROM drive.

STEP 2: Click on “Install Norton Antivirus 2004” in the Installation wizard.

STEP 3: Click on “Next” in the Welcome screen.

STEP 4: Read the License Agreement, click on “I accept the License Agreement”.

STEP 5: Type the product key when prompted.

STEP 6: Select the folder where you want to install Norton Antivirus.

STEP 7: Click Next-> Next -> Finish.

STEP 8: Restart your computer when prompted.

You should install a genuine copy of Norton antivirus on your system for experiencing the best and complete protection against several computer security threats.

Limitations

Norton Antivirus can show error messages during the process of installation and also can slow down your computer while you are performing a virus scan.

How to Protect Computer from Cyber Attack

The shocking news is that it is nearly impossible to protect oneself from the kind of cyber attack that targeted Google Inc. and more than 30 other companies. But for the average computer user there are some common-sense steps that can help protect against viruses and other malicious computer code.

• Install antivirus software. This can protect a computer against known malevolent programs that could allow a hacker to hack personal information. Cyber criminals release thousands of new programs each day so it is important to update antivirus software.

• Install software patches. Companies such as Microsoft Corp. and Adobe Systems Inc. are constantly issuing small updates to the Windows operating system and PDF reader in response to newly identified security bugs. Users should be sure to install these so-called patches.

• Be suspicious. Consider attachments to emails, links on social-networking sites and files for download on Web sites guilty until proven innocent. These are the most common ways that criminals load malicious software onto a victim's computer. Sign out of your Gmail account when using a public computer and clear the Web browser's cache, cookies and history. Then close the browser.

• People with access to sensitive information need to take extra precautions. They could be targeted by a hacker who could takes steps, including sending malicious software in an email, that appears to come from someone the victim knows. One way to guard against this is to encrypt important files. Also, businesses should deploy systems that track where sensitive information is being sent.

• Use strong passwords. Create passwords that are a mix of numbers, letters and symbols. Don't use common words or personal information. Don't use the same password on multiple sites. Put one on your cellphone.

Install Antivirus to Make PC Secure

In today's scenario, security of your computer system from intruders has become a difficult task. Intruders can access your important data and may harm your computer system. Your computer system becomes more vulnerable to malicious programs in case an updated antivirus is not installed on it. The reason behind this is the fact that any malicious program like virus, worm can enter into your system from many ways.

Malicious programs get installed on your computer system when you browse infected websites on the internet, when you download any infected software, when you open an infected e-mail message and so. If you want to protect your computer system from these malicious programs, then you have to install updated antivirus software on your computer system.

Why you should install antivirus?

Antivirus software offers computer security and protection from malicious programs like virus, worm, Trojan horse and other harmful things. The role of an antivirus is to check all the files for presence of viruses or any malicious program. In case it detects any viruses, it will suggest suitable action to remove them from your computers.

After installation of antivirus software, you should update it whenever anew update is available. If you have the latest antivirus program installed in your PC you will be able to identify newly discovered viruses and security threats. You should select an antivirus program depending upon your usage of computer and Internet.

If you are downloading any antivirus software from Internet, then you should investigate about the source of antivirus. In case the source is not legitimate you might end up installing some viruses along with the software causing harm for the health of your computer.

Antivirus software make use of many methods for identifying viruses. Some of the most common methods are signature based detection, heuristic based detection, and many more. In the signature based detection, antivirus software compares the content of files with virus signature. Heuristic based approach is used to identify unknown viruses.

So, you should install antivirus software for protecting your computer system and confidential information from intruders. Antivirus software will scan your computer system periodically. It will also scan incoming e-mail attachments and make sure that your computer is safe, secure, and healthy.

Source: Install Antivirus to Make PC Secure